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I'd say you'd have it better than most westside bird dog owners, it's not a far hop from North Bend to to the east side. As a westside bird dog owner in a really bad spot (Whatcom county) I can say it's tough to justify owning one with all the work they require and the fact that wild birds are a 4 hour minimum drive.... Pheasant release sites are plentiful, but I go for the dog only, I don't get pumped about release birds. Get a versatile breed and run it for waterfowl and grouse and you can get a little more use out of them over here.
T-Dozzer, Ever considered a German Wirehair? You mentioned Lab or GSP .. Iv'e had both plus Chessie's. Wirehairs are very versatile dogs on upland and water plus great family dogs. And they have a unique personality.. kinda goofy like a lot of Labs ( not a dig on Labs.. i mean playful/friendly) but all business when the prey drive kicks in. Just an idea...
Anyone have any experience with Tiger Mountain Labs out of Ellensburg?http://www.pointinglabs.com/pages/home
Quote from: T-Dozzer on November 09, 2020, 01:11:23 PMAnyone have any experience with Tiger Mountain Labs out of Ellensburg?http://www.pointinglabs.com/pages/homeI have hunted with some of their dogs. Not bad at all. Pointing labs can be an adventure. If you go that route be sure to get a small narrow shouldered version for upland - like the breed back in the Dakotas. Big wide labs simply can't work a lot of the Palouse cover/steepness. My 80lb GWP struggled with the Palouse at times too.
yeah, great credentials. The guys that breed them put a ton of time in the breed. I have two!
yeah mine are out of red rock drahthaar in utah. Thats where the trials are centered around there and idaho it seems. Remember though any dog is a huge commitment so i personally want the best chance of getting a quality bird dog as i can get. I believe i get that with these dogs. Blood trailing big game or dead pheasants across an icy river. My dog has done it.
Quote from: 3dvapor on November 29, 2020, 01:25:56 AMyeah mine are out of red rock drahthaar in utah. Thats where the trials are centered around there and idaho it seems. Remember though any dog is a huge commitment so i personally want the best chance of getting a quality bird dog as i can get. I believe i get that with these dogs. Blood trailing big game or dead pheasants across an icy river. My dog has done it. Whar made you choose the Drahtaar over the more common wire hair?Is there a big difference between the 2 or is a regional thing?
In the early 2000's I took my Lewellin setter to Canine Country Club/Carlson's Kennels) in Fall City for upland training. They have always had a person who is either dedicated to upland dogs, or is well versed on upland dog training, even though their focus is on labs. I have a relative who has recently had his English setter trained there and he is pleased. I've always liked their operation, especially Carol, who pretty much ran the kennel (we also boarded our dogs there is we went out of town). I envy your location for a quick getaway to the east side. I'm in Seattle and I can be drudgery.